what could make an odometer stop working?

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well most odometers are driven by a mechanical gear attached to the cable. As a car get miles on it the cable can break or the drive gear in the transmission can strip. Causing the odometer to quit working.

Answer by  beck (1099)

If it's operated mechanically then the odometer cable has most likely snapped. If it's electronic then a fuse or relay has probably blown.

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

You probably have a bad sensor in the wheel. You can check to see if it is the sensor by running a test light in your fuse box. If your sensor is good it is the odometer itself.

Answer by  dan (25)

In older model cars there is a cable from the odometer to the axels. If this cable snaps, snags or is otherwise interfered with it can cause inaccurate odometer readings or none at all. Most do it yourself books should tell you how to replace this cable or fix the problem.